THE LIMIT Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit

No international sport was as glamorous and dangerous as Formula 1 auto racing at mid-century, when teams from the major European countries competed for national pride and many racers crashed and died every year driving faster than “the limit.” This is the colorful story of German Count Wolfgang von Trips and Californian Phil Hill, who approached racing from opposite perspectives and whose rivalry as drivers for Enzo Ferrari culminated in a 1961 championship race. Fred Stella’s worldly sensibilities and ease with European languages bring Old World nostalgia to the traditions and culture that make this story so rewarding. His grasp of character will keep most listeners engaged not only with the contest but also with how these romantic figures play out their desires, fears, and attraction to such a deadly sport. T.W. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2012]